In your search for a solution to chronic pain, you might think you've tried every possible option until you come across the term "rolfing." This method is becoming more popular, but a lot of people just don't know anything about it. If the word intrigues you and you're open to trying something new to help with your pain, here's what to know.

What Is It?

Rolfing is named after the woman who created the method, Dr. Ida Rolf. With this method, ligaments, cartilage, tendons, and other connective tissues are manipulated by a trained practitioner to effect lasting physical relief from pain. The attention to the deeper connective tissues sets rolfing apart from similar body-manipulation methods like traditional massage because those methods only involve superficial muscle manipulation and enhanced blood circulation.

How Long Do You Have to See a Practitioner?

For good results, rolfing practitioners will often recommend that you return for a set number of weeks so they can perform a whole-body series. However, depending on the specific nature of your pain, they may ask you to set up an appointment more often.

What Is a Session Like?

A rolfing session might remind you of a very rough massage. The practitioner will be manipulating your body with their hands as a masseuse might, but they will also enlist the help of their elbows to make sure that they are reaching and engaging different tissues.

How Am I Going to Feel When a Session is Over?

If you're new to rolfing, in your mind you may imagine that the aftermath of a session will be the same type of serene, loose feeling you have when you've been massaged. This is not necessarily the case; in fact, you might feel as if you just played a game of sports or took a long aerobics class. You may feel surprised at how sore you feel, but rolfing sessions can result in that achiness because of the deep tissue manipulation involved.

How should you handle the soreness? You can take over-the-counter pain medication, but you may just as easily find relief with natural methods. For instance, you may find that a little wintergreen or peppermint oil can soothe your body, as both essential oils are said to relieve muscle pain. Depending on the potency of those oils, however, you might wish to dilute them with a carrier oil such as coconut or jojoba.

Rolfing is a practice that can ultimately allow you to regain a high quality of life because you'll be relieved of your chronic pain over time. Talking to a chiropractor about how this technique works can provide you with the information you need to feel confident that it may work for you. To learn more, contact a location like The Healing Center.